North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Signs and symptoms of shock include which of the following?

1. Red, warm skin

2. Pale, cool, clammy skin

3. Rapid heart rate

4. Increased blood pressure

The correct answer is: Pale, cool, clammy skin

Shock is a serious medical condition characterized by the body's inability to circulate adequate blood to the tissues, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrient delivery. When discussing the signs and symptoms of shock, several indicators are typically observed, including skin condition, heart rate, and blood pressure. Pale, cool, clammy skin is a hallmark sign of shock. When the body experiences shock, it often diverts blood from the skin and extremities to vital organs, resulting in paleness and a decrease in skin temperature. The cool, clammy skin occurs as sweat production increases in response to the body’s stress, particularly if shock is related to internal bleeding or other causes that lead to increased sympathetic nervous system activity. In contrast, red, warm skin typically signifies good blood circulation and is often seen in conditions such as fever or heat stroke, but is not associated with shock. A rapid heart rate is a common compensatory mechanism during shock, but it is not as definitive a symptom as changes in the skin. Increased blood pressure would not typically be found in shock; in fact, blood pressure often drops as the condition worsens due to the body's inability to maintain adequate perfusion. Thus, the understanding of shock includes recognizing pale, cool, clammy skin as a critical